Gary Ablett, Gold Coast

What can one say about Gary Ablett - the dual Brownlow medallist already looks a good chance to join Haydn Bunton Sr, Dick Reynolds, Bob Skilton and Ian Stewart in the group of three-time winners of "Charlie" in 2014.

Despite being hunted by opposing teams in an effort to stifle his influence, the brilliant on-baller is a master of finding space where there is none, hitting targets and creating opportunities for the rising Suns, who suddenly are top-eight material.

The Suns' surge is clearly not just down to Ablett - the likes of Dion Prestia, Jaeger O'Meara, David Swallow and forward trio Sam Day, Tom Lynch and Charlie Dixon have all had a part to play in Gold Coast's improvement.

But as the Suns' number nine showed on the weekend against North Melbourne, even when you stop him or slow him down for three quarters, he can still beat you with a hat-trick in the final term.

If Ablett stays healthy, he is a great chance to add to his five AFL MVP awards, and the prospect of him leading the Suns in September action is thrilling indeed.

Steve Johnson, Geelong

Steve Johnson was amazing as a forward in three Geelong premierships, but he might be even better as a midfielder.

His dexterity with a football displays itself in moments of mad genius, bending the ball to his will for the Cats.

But almost as impressive is his ability to hoover up possessions in the middle, his fierce attack on the contest and his habit of producing when his team needs him the most.

He is second favourite for this year's Brownlow behind Gary Ablett - the only thing that might stall his chances is Johnson's habit of being called before the AFL judiciary from time to time.

As an attacking weapon and for all-round ability and endeavour, Geelong could not ask for much more from this senior player, who could help the Cats break their off-year premiership hoodoo at the end of September.

Shaun Burgoyne, Hawthorn

Shaun Burgoyne has been a fixture in the AFL for many years, first as a Premiership player at Port Adelaide, and latterly at Hawthorn.

He can sometimes be overlooked amid the embarrassment of riches in the Hawks' midfield, but his performance this season has been noted as the team has produced some scintillating football.

Burgoyne is multi-skilled, but is particularly dangerous as a source of goal assists, with his vision and accuracy in traffic a real highlight, as seen in the example above.

He may be turning 32 later this year, but those who have to play on him will tell you his 2014 form has lost none of its edge.

He is crucial to Hawthorn's hopes of defending their AFL title, and his role will take on added importance in the absence of team-mate Sam Mitchell, who will miss a large chunk of the season through injury.

Ben McGlynn, Sydney

His overall numbers may not be as striking as the other names on this list, but Ben McGlynn is here for a reason.

Amid a mixed start to season 2014 for Sydney, the former Hawk has produced the closest thing to a traditional Swans performance, with his ferocity and attack on the footy.

At only 172 centimetres, he is one of the shortest players in the league, but his ability to ground the opposition - 48 tackles in just seven games - and general forward pressure has been critical to keeping the Swans in games where they have struggled.

Moreover, his team-mates seem to have taken their lead from his example, as Sydney's intensity lifted against the likes of Fremantle in recent weeks.

While running out of the middle, he also retains his abilities as a goalsneak and his overall value to the Swans is undeniable.

Jay Schulz, Port Adelaide

In today's football, true forward targets are worth their weight in gold - and in Jay Schulz, Port Adelaide has one of the league's best.

The Power's number 28 has just turned 29, but he shows no sign of slowing down.

His size makes him a difficult opponent to begin with, and his ability to present and take contested marks is never in doubt.

More importantly, when he does get a chance, he takes it. Schulz has kicked 24.4 for the season, an 86 per cent accuracy in front of goal.

The Power already has its share of dangerous small forwards like Angus Monfries, Chad Wingard and Robbie Gray - but in Schulz, it has a spearhead who commands attention from the best defences in the AFL.

It's a fundamental human yearning to be a part of something bigger than one's self, and maybe that's what drove my mate Ash to die, far from home, in a bloody foreign war against Islamic State, writes C August Elliott.